Lafitte Corridor Gets Green Room Funding

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Saturday, September 22, local sporting goods store Massey’s Professional Outfitters and national outdoor clothing manufacturer Merrell will present a donation to Lafitte Corridor Greenway advocacy groups in support of the “Green Room” construction on the neutral ground at North Carrollton Avenue near St. Louis Street. The Green Rooms are innovative way-finding informational structures that mark the location and importance of the greenway. The presentation will take place at noon on the neutral ground in front of Massey’s, 509 N. Carrollton Ave., in conjunction with the build.

“While many cities throughout the US have put more and more effort into alternative transportation and outdoor recreation, New Orleans has really just begun to get fully behind it,” says Blake Gill, ﻿﻿Massey’s grassroots marketing coordinator/cycling buyer. “The greenway will only help to solidify New Orleans as one of the nation’s greatest cities because it will promote outdoor recreation.” National retailer Merrell became familiar with the Lafitte Greenway project through its relationship with Massey’s. Merrell relies on their local retailers to keep their “ears to the ground” for causes such as the Lafitte Greenway that they can help support. “Merrell is a strong believer in community involvement and feels that this project in particular will help change the landscape of New Orleans in a huge way, so they are happy to contribute to its fruition,” says Gill.

“The Lafitte Corridor and Greenway promises to be an economic driver as well as a recreational amenity for New Orleans,” says Dana Eness, Urban Conservancy director. “The support from outdoor enthusiasts like Massey’s and Merrell as well as a diverse array of local businesses like FutureProof, Laurel Street Bakery, and Woodward Design+Build who recognize that ‘the Greenway means business’ has been critical to our ability to raise awareness about the Greenway through our Green Room projects.”

The Urban Conservancy and local sustainable design firm FutureProof oversee the project. The Carrollton Green Room is the third structure to be built to date; other kiosks are located at Jeff Davis Parkway at the foot of Bayou St. John, and South Galvez Street near St. Louis Street. All are built barn-raising style by volunteers over a few days using repurposed scrap materials.

The Lafitte Corridor and Greenway is a stretch of land running between the Mid-City and Tremé neighborhoods of New Orleans. The Corridor, a largely derelict strip of land, is to be converted by the City of New Orleans into a public linear park and trail system. The public can learn more about the Lafitte Corridor and Greenway, and view and comment on project documents at www.lafittecorridorconnection.com. To learn more about greenway volunteer opportunities, visit www.folc-nola.org or contact the Friends of Lafitte Corridor at communications@folc-nola.org.